Bukela Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

We had an amazing adventure on our very first Safari. Our ranger, Brian, was extremely knowledgeable about all the animals and worked very hard to make sure we got to see as many of them as possible, absolutely unforgettable. All the staff were polite, always smiling and couldn't do enough for us. Special shout outs for Zeuss, who was very welcoming and great fun and for Jerry who made our last evening unforgettable arranging a private dining experience we will always remember. Do not hesitate to stay here for an amazing Safari experience with wonderful friendly staff and exceptional accommodation.

Perfection from the moment we arrived. The welcome to our STUNNING tented accommodation to the gorgeous staff and our brilliant guide Evans. It surpassed all our expectations - striking lucky straight away with an amazing early morning elephant sighting - so close you could almost touch them. Highly recommended x

Ranger: Wonga 5* Superb ranger is very knowledgeable, passionate about the animals, and flexible with structuring each drive to suit all. His experience and game drives were the best part of our 3 night stay. Room 3.0* Main issues no hot water each evening as blew fuse every day in No.8 halfway through showering. Variable housekeeping, i.e., turn down service 1 room got bedtime stories the other room didn't. 1 had an electric blanket, and the other didn't. Housekeeping variable. Service 3.0* All staff were friendly. However, for an all-inclusive service , staff were not always visible or available pre-lunch/dinner service to provide coffees or drinks around bar and pool areas. We were not made aware that SA KWV Brandy was chargeable despite the bar server upselling! Our last day fell short of expectation for a 5* resort due to miscommunication, and it tainted our overall experience. Basically, if you leave after 11 am, but Trailfinders don't arrange pick up until 15:30, you are expected to pay as you go for lunch, water, and drinks - but this is not advised upon arrival meeting or by Trailfinders! We have never experienced this in any other All Inclusive location. Usually, it's a "swings & roundabouts" scenario as guests do not arrive and depart at the same time. Food 3.0* Breakfast was good each day. Lunch & Dinner, we had 50% errors/mistakes on our pre-orders (4 pax) on 2 out of 3 days. Our final night we received excellent service and the best food. Public Areas 3.0* Toilets - no hot water or sanitiser. Taps constantly fall off fixtures. Hand soap broken and paper towel dispenser erratic. As a group of 4 travelling, sadly, we could not recommend Bukela to anyone else.